Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Hummingbird Approved Blooms

Sighting a hummingbird is cause for great excitement here at My Garden Path.  Fall and Winter seem to be the seasons for these speedy jewels to visit this garden.  Actually, there seems to be only one speedy jewel this year.


Senecio confusus, Mexican Flame Vine
Perhaps it is that this female Ruby-Throated hummingbird only sees enough of her favorite flowers blooming along the Path during the Fall season. 

Justicia brandegeana 'Fruit Cocktail'
December 21, 1990, is the first time I spotted a hummingbird here.  It was feeding on the bright red Tropical Hibiscus blooms which were just outside the guest bedroom window.  What a God-sent moment that was.  

Justicia brandegeana
I was helping my Mom into the bed for the first of many times.  She had rather suddenly been released from the re-hab center following a major stroke.  My Dad was in another hospital across town recovering from surgery.  There were three children living at home.  I needed to see that hummingbird.

Salvia elegans, Pineapple Sage
That little bird visited the Hibiscus bush every afternoon as I helped Mom get into bed for a nap.  Just like clockwork that iridescent jewel would appear. 

Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph'
Now, in an effort to encourage the return of hummingbirds each year,  a smorgasbord of hummingbird attracting blooms has been planted. 

Salvia purpurea
The bright reds and oranges of the firespike and flame vine may be the initial attraction for the hummingbird, but once in the garden other blooms seem to be just as enticing.  Purples, pinks and even whites are nectared from time and again.

Barleria cristata,Philippine Violet & Pentas lanceolata
Everytime I see the tiny hummingbird flitting among the flowers, I am reminded of God's care.

Odontonema strictum, Red Firespike


"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26

5 comments:

  1. Matthew 6:26 is one of my favorite Bible verses! This was a beautiful post, NanaK. Thanks for sharing your hummingbird memories with us. They are amazing creatures, aren't they? The hummers here stay year-round but seem to clearly prefer bottlebrush and firebush and rarely visit other parts of the garden, except when the aloes are in bloom in the back. Of course, I don't have many of these hummingbird-approved blooms you have listed. A day of plant shopping is w-a-a-a-y overdue for me!

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  2. How wonderful that you have hummers to visit your garden! Seems your well planning of the garden really paid off. I have not had any luck to see hummers in my garden yet. Need to make a good plan as well. Your list will be my reference. Really love that Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph', the soft pink color is one of my favorites!

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  3. Hi Kay...what a great personal story. The Lord always provides what you need at exactly the right moment. How nice that you can relate such a sweet little bird to providing you with a burst of joy during a trying time. Your photo of the hummer is great. I love the way her little feet hang so sweetly. I always get excited when I see them in my garden, too.

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  4. Kay,
    Love that verse as a good reminder of what's important in life. And God took care of you in the simplest way to see that hummingbird when you were caring for others... so like HIM.

    Your hummingbird photo is impressive... I've never gotten a single one. Love all those blooms,too. My little hummers have even been seen at the Cassia Alata... I guess they just thought they'd give it a try. I don't think it should be on their list to visit. :-)
    Great post.
    Meems

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  5. Floridagirl - I have added a bottle brush tree and two firebushes because of your mentioning their hummingbird attractiveness. If you're feeling the need for plant shopping, I say, give in!

    Ami - Keep your eye on your red fire-spikes for hummer activity. That is the first place I see mine each day in the early afternoon and then again just before dusk. With your schedule, you may just be missing them in your garden. Look extra carefully during a week-end day.

    Susan - I noticed the feet too! When I'm watching her in real time she moves too fast for me to be able to notice much.

    Meems - I can't believe I got lucky with two different shots. I've got many more pics that are just a blur. I've noticed this one is visiting anything blooming. But, hands down, the firespike and the flame vine are her favorites.

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Thank you for travelling down My Garden Path with me. I love hearing from you. Please leave a comment and share what is going on in your gardens.

NanaK